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Cankerworms (Paleacrita vernata & Alsophila pometaria)
Cankerworms, also called inchworms, are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of a wide range of deciduous trees including elms, oaks, and maples, sometimes causing complete defoliation in heavy outbreak years. Spring and fall cankerworm species differ in timing but share the same looping movement and silken thread drop behavior. While healthy trees typically recover, repeated defoliation can weaken and stress them over time. Trunk banding with sticky material to trap wingless females and aerial insecticide sprays both provide effective control during outbreaks.